In an editorial published Sunday the editors of the Dallas Morning News, while praising bloggers, warned them – particularly younger ones …

… that they could be sued for libel (free registration or BugMeNot required) …

“We hate to spoil the fun, but there’s something you newbie bloggers need to know before committing journalism on your shiny new Web sites: You are now a publisher and could be sued for libel.

One important distinction: A blogger generally cannot be held liable for libelous material posted by someone else on the blogger’s Web site. But any content created by the blogger is subject to a libel claim. It’s great fun to waylay your enemies with scorching online invective – but if you (or, parents, please note, your children) cross the libel line while online, look out for lawyers.”

Steve Rubel is a PR strategist with nearly 16 years of public relations, marketing, journalism and communications experience. He currently serves as a Senior Vice President with Edelman, the largest independent global PR firm.

He authors the Micro Persuasion weblog, which tracks how blogs and participatory journalism are changing the public relations practice.